Sports betting has become a powerful industry in the African market, especially since the increased regulation and technologic advancements in the region, which provide new solutions for this growing industry in West Africa.
To discuss it and discover the latest trends in the field don't miss the next edition of Sports Betting West Africa, to be held in Lagos from the 17-19 July. We've been talking with the organizers to learn more about this must-attend show...
What’s the actual situation?
I must admit. I’m not an economist, but based on the information I have received from operators and regulators in Africa is that the entire gambling sector has been growing rapidly in over the past 5 years, and it will probably continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
The sports betting industry is receiving the fastest growth in the gambling sector due to its fair pricing, massive payouts and good odds. Other contributing factors to the rise of sports betting are the increasing popularity sports industry itself, new technology and uncertain economic times to name a few.
People are more willing to place bets on their favourite teams in the hope of winning millions now than they ever were because they can do so from the privacy of their computer or cell phone. We will be looking at how operators can avoid the threats and make the best use of the opportunities at the summit this year.
Could you explain us something more about the special event of the opening of the event?
The 1-day bookmaker special event is being organized by the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers. The topics on the agenda will have a special focus on operators and boosting growth in Nigeria. The ANB-SBWA Bookmaker Special Event will be bridging the gap between policy and practice and assessing the impact of internal and external factors on business.
Delegates who are interested in attending can book their tickets for the ANB-SBWA Bookmaker Special Event on ANB’s website.
What makes Sports Betting West Africa different from other similar shows?
The Sports Betting West Africa is the only event of its kind that brings leading software providers, Senior officials from regulatory boards, and prominent decision-makers from the top sports betting operators in West Africa together to share their ideas to push the industry forward.
The main objective of the Sports Betting West Africa Summit 2017 is to boost growth in the fastest growing sector of the gaming industry. We pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our delegates return each year, we clearly have a unique way of organizing our events that encourage our delegates to be loyal attendees of our events.
What is the visitor’s profile?
Our visitors are usually people who are considering working or starting businesses in the gaming industry. The topics we have included on the agenda, cover issues that affect everyone involved in gaming, so visitors will have all the information they need to make their final decision on being a part of this highly lucrative industry.
What is the main novelty in this 2017 edition?
We have new speakers, new exhibitors and hot industry related topics being discussed. I guess the novelty will be that all of our newer speakers will provide fresh opinions on certain issues impacting the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear solutions to their problems from many different perspectives. I.E a regulator’s perspective will usually differ from a bookmaker’s perspective, we encourage our speakers to work together on forming a comprehensive all angles to make use of an opportunity.
How does your event contribute to the industry at large? And to Africa?
It’s a well-known fact that the African market is the fastest growing in any industry, but especially for gaming. We Africans want to have the same standard of living as the rest of the world and we are working very hard to get there. Foreign investors will have the opportunity to invest in Africa, before the market becomes too saturated and profit from the monumental growth that Africa is currently undergoing.
This foreign investment then boosts the profits of African businesses and vice versa, which will provide new employment opportunities and raise Africa’s standard of living.
Finally, could you give us some participation results of the last edition?
Gladly, last year’s Sports Betting West Africa had over 250+ Attendees, 200+ Delegates, 30+ Exhibitors and 30+ Speakers. We expect over 300 attendees from all over the world at this year’s Sports Betting West Africa Summit.